A delegation of six Supreme Court judges, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, is set to visit relief camps in Manipur on March 22 to strengthen legal and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
The delegation includes Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotishwar. Their visit aims to assess the situation in relief camps and ensure that displaced individuals receive the necessary legal aid and essential services.
Justice Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will virtually inaugurate legal services camps, medical camps, and new legal aid clinics across various districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul. These initiatives are designed to provide immediate support to internally displaced persons (IDPs).
As part of the visit, essential relief materials will be distributed to IDPs. The legal services camps will focus on connecting displaced individuals with government welfare schemes, ensuring access to healthcare, pensions, employment programs, and assistance in reconstructing lost identity documents.
According to a statement from NALSA, each state department involved in the initiative will introduce at least five key welfare schemes specifically designed to support the displaced population.
Additionally, a team of 25 specialised doctors from Chennai will conduct medical camps across all relief sites. Their services will extend for six more days, providing medical treatment and distributing essential medicines.
NALSA highlighted the vital role played by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) in providing legal aid to those affected by the violence.
The authority has already established 273 special legal aid clinics within relief camps to assist IDPs in accessing government benefits, replacing lost documents, and securing medical aid.
The visit coincides with the Duo Decennial Celebration of the High Court of Manipur, further emphasising the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and support for vulnerable communities.
NALSA reiterated its mission to bridge the gap between legal rights and accessibility, ensuring that displaced individuals receive the resources needed to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, following a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM).
The conflict, primarily between the Hindu Meitei community and the Christian Kuki tribes, escalated into widespread violence. The situation became so severe that the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to restore order.
The Supreme Court’s intervention through this visit is seen as a significant step towards addressing the legal and humanitarian challenges faced by those affected by the conflict.
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